Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston Shuffles Cabinet, Adds Four New Members

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has shuffled his cabinet, bringing in four new members and relinquishing the energy portfolio as his government looks ahead to the next provincial election.

The changes, announced on Wednesday, see a significant refresh of Houston's team with new faces taking on key portfolios. The Premier had been holding the energy portfolio himself since taking office, but has now handed those responsibilities to a dedicated minister, reflecting the growing importance of energy policy in the province.

Nova Scotia has been grappling with energy affordability and the transition to renewable sources, making the energy portfolio one of the most challenging in the cabinet. The new energy minister will face immediate pressure to address rising electricity costs and the province's ambitious climate targets.

Other changes in the shuffle include new ministers for health, education, and municipal affairs, signalling that the Houston government is looking to sharpen its focus on core services as the next election approaches.

"This is a team that will deliver results for Nova Scotians," Houston said. "We have the right people in the right portfolios to tackle the challenges ahead."

The opposition criticized the shuffle as a cosmetic change that does nothing to address the real issues facing the province, including healthcare wait times and the cost of living crisis.

This is Alex Thompson for Global1 News, reporting from Toronto. 🇨🇦